She was thrilled but exhausting after delivering her new baby girl, but after a few moments, she noticed something was… off.

Roneisha was shocked to learn that her daughter was born with twisted fingers, having been entangled in the womb by separated strands of the amniotic sac—a condition called Amniotic Band Syndrome.

As a result, Raven had to undergo surgery that left her with only two functioning fingers.

Doctors said because Raven has nubs for fingers she would never progress like other children. That prognosis was devastating.

As Roneisha and her family worked to help Raven adapt, they grappled with their own fears and confusion: How would this physical disability hold her back? Would she fit in? How could they protect her from the inevitable adversity that lie ahead?

And how would they afford the financial burden of securing the necessary support and resources?

That’s where LSF Head Start came in and helped to turn things around.

As she grew, Raven’s teachers began to work to accommodate her needs, ensuring she had the same access and educational experience as her classmates. She was given an iPad to do her work, which was less restrictive than holding a pen and paper, and soon, she was navigating the technology as well as many adults!

“At six months old my child was holding the iPad and navigating better than me on the computer,” Roneisha marveled. “She is now 4 years old and can tie her own shoes with no fingers. My family is blessed because of these life-changing early education services.”